In this weeks episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham highlights two powerful ways Minnesotans are supporting Veterans and service members.
Featured Guests:
- LTC Dustin Snare, Managing Director of Government Services at Starkey
- Jenni Hargraves, Executive Director of Starkey Cares
- Erin Betlock, Volunteer Services Coordinator at the Minneapolis State Veterans Home
Starkey Recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company
Starkey, the only American-owned hearing technology company based in Eden Prairie, was named a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company in November 2025.
LTC Dustin Snare discusses how Starkey provides cutting-edge hearing aids and advanced hearing protection to the VA and Department of Defense. These modern devices feature noise reduction, directionality, waterproofing, and Bluetooth streaming — far beyond traditional hearing aids.
Jenni Hargraves explains Starkey Cares and the company’s commitment to hiring Veterans, offering military-friendly benefits, and supporting service members and their families.
The Power of Volunteers at Minnesota’s State Veterans Homes
Erin Betlock shares how volunteers are essential to the quality of life at Minnesota’s eight State Veterans Homes. They help with bingo, church services, outings, parties, one-on-one visits, and major events like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the State Fair.
“Volunteers are vital,” says Erin. “We can’t do activities without them.”
She encourages anyone interested to apply through MinnesotaVeteran.org, where a single application covers all homes.
Listen to the full episode here:
Support Veterans by volunteering at a State Veterans Home or exploring opportunities with veteran-friendly companies like Starkey. Visit MinnesotaVeteran.org to get started.
Thank you to our guests for their important work supporting Minnesota’s Veterans and service members.
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with key leaders from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for an in-depth look at advancements in Veteran care.
Guests include:
- Dr. Mike Armstrong, Chief of Staff, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- Dr. Rob Bayer, Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- Dr. Adam Bock, Chief of Informatics, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
The episode opens with an update from Minneapolis VA Medical Center Director Pat Kelly, who shares news of a recent ribbon-cutting for the Polytrauma System of Care, ongoing efforts to combat Veteran suicide and an upcoming Resource Fair and Claims Clinic in Chippewa Falls on March 24th.The main focus shifts to VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization. Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Bayer explain how this modern, 21st-century platform will create a seamless, shared health record across federal systems. Benefits for Veterans include:
- Real-time access to records
- Elimination of paper copies, CDs, faxes, and duplicated tests
- Improved scheduling, standardization of care across sites
- A more modern patient portal with better secure messaging and apps
Dr. Bock joins to discuss the exciting integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like ambient AI scribe. This HIPAA-compliant technology documents clinical appoints, with patient consent, so clinicians can focus more on the Veteran and less on the computer. AI output is reviewed by the provider, ensuring accuracy. This episode highlights how the Minneapolis VA is modernizing to deliver even better, more efficient, and compassionate care to Minnesota’s Veterans.
To learn about upcoming events visit https://www.va.gov/minneapolis-health-care/events/. For more information on the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization visit https://digital.va.gov/ehr-modernization/about/. For more on AI in the clinic rooms visit https://news.va.gov/143486/powered-by-ai-improving-veteran-care-experience/.
- Nate Wallerstedt, Project Management Branch Chief, who discussed the district’s core missions and the new “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” initiative to speed up projects and cut red tape.
- Dan Fasching, Civil Engineer, who explained water level management as “art meets engineering,” emphasizing drought control for navigation and the river’s role in efficient logistics.
- Tammy Frauenshuh, Natural Resource Planner, who covered recreation opportunities, park ranger duties, and free Military Pass benefits via the America the Beautiful program for service members and veterans.
In this episode of Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with Sherry Schultz, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President, and Greg Davis, General Manager and Vice President of Walser Toyota in Bloomington. They discuss Walser’s journey to this milestone, driven by employee-led initiatives like the Veterans at Walser resource group (now nearly 200 members), leadership commitment, and practical programs that make a difference.
Key highlights from the conversation include:
- Guaranteed interviews for any veteran applicant, with an open-door policy for support and de-escalation.
- GI Bill-eligible accredited training programs in sales (about 30 days) and service advising (about 2 weeks + 2 days).
- Deployment support, including differential pay, continued 401(k) vesting, and family outreach/check-ins.
- Mentorship and onboarding to bridge military-to-civilian transitions, helping veterans translate skills and adapt to workplace norms.
- A goal to hire 50+ veterans in the first year post-designation (already well on track).
- Ongoing support for current Guard/Reserve employees, including deployment send-offs and reintegration.
Sherry Schultz, a military spouse herself, emphasized creating structure, empathy, and purpose for transitions, while Greg Davis shared insights as a parent of active-duty service members, noting the value of veterans’ discipline, efficiency, and purpose-driven mindset in Walser’s transparent, customer-focused environment.
For more details on Walser’s commitment, read their official announcement: Walser Earns Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Designation in Minnesota.
This week, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham spotlights the incredible work of the Poly Trauma Center of Excellence at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. For veterans and service members facing complex, life-changing injuries—often involving traumatic brain injury (TBI) combined with other physical and emotional trauma—this center provides a full continuum of specialized care designed to optimize recovery and quality of life.
The episode dives deep into the Poly Trauma System of Care, which celebrated its 20th anniversary recently, with Minneapolis as one of the original five Centers of Excellence. Guests from the Minneapolis VA share insights on acute rehabilitation, transitional programs, outpatient services, recent facility renovations (including private rooms, consolidated therapy spaces, and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration), family/caregiver support, and the innovative RENEW (Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program) for active duty service members, including those in special operations.
Guests Include:
- Becky Vogsland – Rehabilitation Director, Minneapolis VA
- Amanda Momin – Acute Rehab Manager, Minneapolis VA (Marine Corps veteran)
- April Cerqua – Poly Trauma System of Care Coordinator, Minneapolis VA
- Leah Gause – Poly Trauma Residential Programs Director, Minneapolis VA
Key topics covered:
- Defining polytrauma and its impact on brain, body, and emotional health
- The continuum of care: acute rehab, transitional living, outpatient TBI/polytrauma services, and lifespan support
- Major renovations improving patient experience (private rooms, natural light, built-in therapy progress tracking, family lounges)
- The RENEW program: 5-week intensive for chronic/milder polytrauma issues, focusing on community integration, purpose, and return to duty or civilian life
- Family involvement, including Fisher House support, and interdisciplinary team approach (PT, OT, speech, psychology, nursing, and more)
- How to access care: referrals from community hospitals, primary care, or regional partners
Listeners hear inspiring stories of mission-driven care, long-term staff dedication (60+ combined years among guests), and real impact—helping veterans and service members reclaim their best lives after severe injuries.
For more on the Poly Trauma System of Care nationwide, visit polytrauma.va.gov. Learn about services at the Minneapolis VA here.
Or listen directly: Download MP3
Thank a veteran today—and honor those who continue to serve.
Produced in partnership with the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham welcomes two knowledgeable guests who are deeply committed to supporting Minnesota’s veterans and their families. Through advocacy, community action, and innovative new programs, they share practical ways the state is honoring and assisting those who have served.
Barry Hendrickson, Adjutant Quartermaster and Legislative Chairman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Minnesota, shares updates on VFW advocacy, community donations (including a $100,000 gift to veterans homes and VA facilities), legislative priorities like property tax relief and the Major Richard Starr Act, membership efforts, and the VFW’s first female National Commander-in-Chief.
For more info: www.vfwmn.org (Minnesota) and www.VFW.org (national)
Raeann Murray, Veteran Health Navigator Supervisor and licensed social worker with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), introduces the new Veteran Health Navigator Program launching in 2026. The program partners with healthcare systems statewide to close gaps in care and benefits through the “Ask the Question” initiative, care coordination, and connections to resources.
For more info: www.minnesotaveteran.org and www.linkvet.org
This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham welcomes back Staff Sergeant Joe Hance, a recruiter with the Minnesota Army National Guard. In this anniversary revisit from his previous appearance, SSG Hance shares his full story—from enlisting as a high school junior through the split-option program, serving as an infantryman with multiple assignments and an overseas deployment, transitioning to full-time Active Guard Reserve (AGR) status, mentoring future officers in the University of Minnesota Army ROTC program, and now recruiting in his hometown area.
He reflects on his lifelong draw to military service (always Army, never other branches), the pivotal moment a recruiter contacted him after a strong ASVAB score, choosing the Guard to balance a civilian career goal in law enforcement with part-time military duty, the essential support from his family amid young children at home, and why the motto “We live here, we work here, we serve here” truly captures the Minnesota National Guard experience.
The conversation also dives into the recruiting process: basic qualifications, the ASVAB’s role in job placement, what to expect at MEPS (including the two-day physical and oath), current enlistment incentives and bonuses in select fields, education benefits like Minnesota tuition assistance and the GI Bill, and the kind of motivated, patriotic individuals the Guard is seeking—no need to be a perfect student, just ready to serve and grow.
Interested in exploring service with the Minnesota Army National Guard? Get started today or connect directly with a local recruiter in the Cottage Grove area at recruiting.minnesotaarmynationalguard.com/local-recruiters/cottage-grove.
Whether you’re considering enlisting, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in stories of service, this honest discussion highlights the opportunities, camaraderie, and community impact of the Minnesota National Guard.
Listen now and hear firsthand about building a future while serving your state and nation.
TOM LYONS, FOUNDER AND HOST
HOST DOUG WORTHAM
MINNESOTA SUPPORT OUR TROOPS LICENSE PLATE
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